Giving back Philanthropy impact report
Summer 2025
Bournemouth University is an exempt charity
HMRC No EW00806
Thank you!
As a volunteer, supporter or donor, your contributions make a huge difference to the lives of students at BU.
As the academic year draws to a close, we are taking the opportunity to celebrate the ways in which your time and gifts have made a positive impact. From the launch of new studentships and hardship funds to help
those most in need, to opportunities for students to gain insights through talks and panel events, we couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you for all you do to support Bournemouth University’s staff and students.
If you don’t already support us, but feel inspired to get involved, please get in touch via alumni@bournemouth.ac.uk
How donations make a difference
Find out how donations from individuals, trusts and foundations, companies and membership bodies have helped students overcome barriers to achieving their university education.
Tourism studentship recipient
“I have grown up in a single parent household and have been homeless on and off throughout the years. I have had to work full time since I was 13 to help support my mum with the bills; this hasn’t changed since coming to university. This money has given me the freedom to reduce my shifts at work, allowing me to focus more on my dissertation and studies. This is such an incredible thing you have done for me. It has taken such a huge weight off my shoulders.”
Women in Cyber studentship recipient
“I am so pleased to benefit from this opportunity. The money will help me to buy study materials such as online resources and textbooks, ensuring I have everything I need. It may also help me to take more certificates that I can obtain throughout my time here. I’ve only just started on the course but I’m really enjoying it and I’m looking forward to the future and a great career in cyber security.”
Accommodation Fund recipient
“As an estranged student I don’t receive any kind of support from my parents. I had nowhere to go after I moved out of student halls, so I had to couch surf and even sleep at the library under the pretence of studying. All whilst struggling with health issues that made it difficult to work. I only had £55 to cover two months of food and transport, so the financial aid was a blessing. It helped me rent a room for the rest of summer until the contract at my student house started.”
Sports Management studentship recipient
“It is such a surreal experience to visit the stadium and see behind the scenes and know that we’re going to be involved with the club. It is going to open doors and give me a better chance of a job when I finish my degree. It is also going to open my eyes to all the different departments and roles within football and the work that they do, because that is what I want to go into after my degree.”
Accounting and Finance bursary recipient
“The funding has helped me massively in my first year as it has taken financial pressure off me, so I have been able to concentrate fully on my studies. I have been able to gain a good understanding of the modules on my course and have managed to do well in these. It has allowed me to also have free time to do things such as sport, which has helped me develop my communication skills. All of this has helped me succeed and like my first year at university.”
Santander Scholar recipient
“Studying for a Master’s was always something I had in the back of my mind to do, but I didn’t think I’d be able to do it straight after completing my undergraduate degree. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the Santander Scholars Programme and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
Supporting those estranged from family networks
Across November and December, members of the BU community – including graduates, honorary graduates, staff and supporters – donated to our ‘We Care at Christmas’ Campaign. The campaign provided 70 BU students who are officially classified as being estranged from their parents, with a gift to help make the season a little brighter. Here’s what some of our gift recipients had to say:
“As an estranged student, I cannot put into words how appreciated your help is - not only financially, but emotionally. Knowing I’m not on my own in this situation and that I have the aid of the university means more than I can express. The Christmas campaign allowed me to buy my little cousin a Christmas present that I would not have otherwise been able to buy. Not only did she adore it, but it gave me the opportunity to experience the love and gifting of the festive period.”
“I was very happy I received the voucher. It definitely made a difference!! I was able to use it to get a few little things I needed for my room as well as a little gift for myself which I haven’t been able to do for a very long time. It was nice to feel someone cared.”
“As someone who is estranged, it truly meant so much to me that your team thought about the little things that can make a big difference during the holidays. The voucher allowed me, to in all honesty, feel normal during a time where I’m surrounded by people talking about how they got this and that from their families. It helped ease some financial stress and made the season feel a little brighter. It’s comforting to know that there are people who care and want to support students like me.”
Providing practical and career support
Over and above financial support, we are seeking to provide studentship recipients with practical and career support through a network of buddies and mentors.
Hear how Hannah has benefited from the support of a buddy during her placement year:
Giving back through volunteering
BU graduates have, once again, given hundreds of hours of volunteering to support students and staff this year. From taking part in buddying schemes to providing career insights through guest talks, our generous graduate community has made an incredible impact.
Among the activities:
• Graduates and honorary graduates joined panel events focused on race, sexual identity and neurodiversity
• Graduates supported masterclasses and workshops as part of our extra-curricular Graduate Skills Programme
• Graduates and honorary graduates returned to campus for regular masterclasses within journalism, computer animation and visual effects
• Recent graduates shared their university and career stories in a series of You Tube films, designed to inspire the next generation to enrol at BU
Here’s what some of our students had to say about their interactions with graduates:
“For me, personally, it’s an important part of my studies at BU to be able to listen to and meet alumni who are working within the subject I’m studying. There are some fantastic speakers on campus each week, I do feel very lucky as a student here!”
“I started joining online talks from alumni whilst in my first year as I was quite shy, but now I really look forward to joining sessions and meeting them in person. I really appreciate the time they give to do this, it’s fantastic really as I know they must be busy, they do make a difference though.”
“It was beneficial hearing a first-hand experience from someone who has worked many jobs that aren’t necessarily connected. It’s reassuring knowing that you can still find what you want to do eventually and work towards that in many different ways.”
“Hearing that even the most confident speakers weren’t always that confident and sometimes still get nervous really helps us to improve.”